Shanghai primary schools start using textbook specialized for boys

[File photo]

The city of Shanghai held a publishing ceremony for a specialized textbook designed for school boys on Wednesday, the very first of its kind in China.

"Little Man", published by Shanghai Educational Publishing House, focuses on boys around ten years old. The book aims to help them understand sexual physiology and sexual psychology and enhance their self-protection ability and responsibility.

With a total of six chapters, the textbook introduces a wide range of basic knowledge including the topics of "What is the difference between a boy and a girl?", "Why am I a boy and not a girl?", "What does a father mean to a son?", "How can we get along with nature?" as well as "Why do we need to have awareness about investment and money management?".

It also uses many paintings and designs some interactive games to attract the young readers.

A textbook specialized for girls is now being compiled, said the Shanghai Educational Publishing House.

A father-son public class was also held on the same day, themed "I'm a boy, I'm independent and responsible".

Chen Laixiu, teacher of the class, introduced the idea that a father's love and influence are indispensable in boy's growth. The class aims to raise fathers' awareness of their responsibility in their role in raising their sons to be brave and independent through their guide.

Wu Zengqiang from the Shanghai Student Psychological Health Research Center said that since boys and girls have big differences in physiology and psychology, it is necessary to give them individualized teaching.